5. From autocracy to democracy : why is it so difficult to change regimes?

Question 1

Definition of a democratic transition

Answer 1

Movement from an autocratic political regime to a democratic political regime

Question 2

Definition of a democratic breakdown

Answer 2

Movement from a democratic political regime to an autocratic political regime, by lack of democratic consolidation generally

Question 3

Definition of a democratic consolidation

Answer 3

Situation of broad support for a democratic regime

Question 4

Who talked about the waves of democratization

Answer 4

Samuel P. Huntigton (Harvard)

Question 5

4 waves of democratization ?

Answer 5

1st 1828-1926
2nd 1943-1962
3rd 1974-?
4th Arab Spring ?

Question 6

2 cases of democratic breakdown ?

Answer 6

• 1922-1942 - rise of fascism and stalinism

* 1958-75 in Latin America

Question 7

4 types of democratic transition

Answer 7

• Top down (Brazil, Chile)
• Formally negotiated (Polad, SA)
• After a military defeat (Germany, Japan)
• After the collapse of autocratic regimes (Tunisia, Lybia)

Question 8

The only state of the Arab Spring that is transitioning at this point?

Answer 8

Tunisia (overthrow of Ben Ali, Islamist/secular parties compete, new “liberal” constitution)

Question 9

One common achievement of the Arab Spring ?

Answer 9

Showed a willingness to compromise with the constitution-writing exercise

Question 10

Characteristics of Tunisia conducive to democracy ?

Answer 10

Relative homogeneity and small population, high education levels. Army out of politics and economy.

Question 11

Countries where islamist parties play a major role ?

Answer 11

Turkey (Erdogan), Indonesia (Widodo)